What is a Gentle Business? (and why this is more sustainable for solopreneurs)
March 13, 2024
There’s been a recurring theme in my personal experiences, those of my clients and fellow women solopreneur friends: a longing to break away from the expected business methods, and find out what is truly sustainable for them. To explore what it means to have a business in a way that honors their heart, body, mind and spirit. What we have been describing is a gentle business (and a gentle life).
It is interesting how we women solopreneurs set out to do business on our own, and then find ourselves following the rules of everyone else.
From my experience and perspective, I think this happens because there isn’t a clear roadmap for this entrepreneurial life. Yet, this is also what draws us into this journey in the first place. Also, many of us set out to contribute back to the world creatively and by nurturing others, then had to deal with the “business-y stuff.”
In all of this, it’s understandable that we have followed ‘the crowd.’ We may have been unsure of our next steps, so then we do what appears beneficial for others. Plus, there is advice from “experts” readily available.
For highly sensitive women, like myself, we have a heightened awareness with all the information out there. We deeply desire to be successful, not just for ourselves but for our families and out of genuine caring for our clients. If someone else tastes success and shares about it, it’s hard to resist trying those methods out for ourselves. It is only human and natural.
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While these structures and routines in business may work for us for a time, eventually, we realize that they no longer align with us. We realize we don’t have the energy in our bodies or minds to sustain our services. Or, want to expand creatively in new ways.
In my own business, once I’ve recognized these areas of unsustainability, I also notice how much I’ve become disconnected within myself. Many times I’ve thought, “If I had just listened to myself when…”
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A Gentle & Holistic Approach to Business
This is where a gentle approach to business begins: with you and your unique inner resources. A gentle business is designed around your nervous system, sensitive heart, natural energy and creativity. In this way, your business becomes more like an ecosystem that is compassionate towards yourself. It includes prioritizing practices that honor your humanity and the needs of your clients.
Central characteristics of a gentle business
Sustainable
Nourishing
Adaptable / Flexible
For example, if your natural energy fluctuates with the seasons – business can be organized to honor that part of yourself. You may plan out your business by the seasons, noting when your energy is lower. For seasons where you have more energy, you may be open for more 1:1 client sessions. Then quieter seasons (perhaps the winter), you might promote your online courses more while pausing on your 1:1 sessions.
Or, as another example, a gentle business can adapt with your natural energy in a typical month. Many women prefer to not work as intensely during their periods. You may plan your months out around this and intentionally not allow discovery calls or additional meetings during this time.
A gentle business is rooted in expanding and contracting based on your capacity. Honoring and restoring your self-trust. Structuring your business around your incredible inner workings and human design.
A gentle business allows you to tend to the seasons, cycles and rhythms within you. Showing kindness to your body, mind, spirit and heart. This kindness becomes tangible for your clients as well.
A gentle business is intentional with planning for what you need financially and the energy involved in marketing.
For us solopreneurs, doing a business in this way goes against so much of what we are told. There is such an emphasis on hustling and constant growth – but for us solopreneurs, we simply can’t do everything all the time.
Doing business in a gentle way provides nourishment to your body and that is naturally sustainable. Instead of following the crowd for the next steps, a gentle business begins with inward reflection. What is nourishing to you? What is sustainable for you? How do you naturally change over time?
~Angela
Hello and welcome. I’m Angela.
I support sensitive women solopreneurs as a thought partner, drawing on 10 years of experience as a public educator. I believe a sustainable business thrives when aligned with your natural rhythms and energy, allowing for a fulfilling life and time to create. My writings blend practical strategies with empathetic support. If you seek a business that honors your sensitivity, values, and quality of life, you’re in the right place. I am glad you are here.
